In a development that is drawing attention in Brussels and Rome, Italian journalist Gabriele Nunziati – a correspondent for the Italian Nova news agency – has been fired from his job just days after, during a European Commission press conference in Brussels, he asked the question:
"Since you said Russia should pay for the reconstruction of Ukraine, do you think Israel should also pay for the reconstruction of Gaza?"
As reported, Commission spokeswoman Paula Pinho called the question "interesting" but did not provide any further comment.
After this moment, Nunziati reported that he received phone calls from his superiors and then – a letter terminating the employment relationship.
According to Italian member of the European Parliament, Gaetano Pedullà, the dismissal decision is "very serious" and shows the possibility of interference or external pressure on journalism and the right to ask questions on sensitive issues.
